Bookmaker – NASCAR Chase Field Set, Johnson and Hamlin Favored. The NASCAR Chase field is finally set with the Top 12 drivers set to compete for the Sprint Cup Championship and there is no surprise at the bookmaker as Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin are favored.
Hamlin starts the Chase in first position while Johnson is just ten points back in second. Johnson is the four-time defending champion and he is favored in offshore betting, although not by a lot.
Before the NASCAR season began Johnson was favored at the Sbg global sportsbook but Denny Hamlin was a popular pick. He is also a popular pick now as he starts the Chase with the points lead.
Hamlin’s Time – Hamlin is coming off a win on Saturday night at Richmond which gave him the top spot in the Chase. He will look to take that momentum into New Hampshire this weekend for the first race of the 10-race chase. It was the sixth win of the season for Hamlin.
Spoilers – You don’t want to forget about the other 31 drivers in the next ten races. They can still win races even though they are not in the chase. Marcos Ambrose could be a driver to follow as he is racing well. One driver who won’t be a spoiler is Dale Earnhardt Jr. His team is a complete mess. He is the most popular NASCAR driver but he simply can’t win right now.
Sprint Cup Standings – Here is a look at the 12 drivers who are competing for the Sprint Cup Championship
Denny Hamlin
Jimmie Johnson
Kevin Harvick
Kyle Busch
Kurt Busch
Tony Stewart
Greg Biffle
Jeff Burton
Jeff Gordon
Carl Edwards
Matt Kenseth
Clint Bowyer
J.J. Still the Favorite – The drivers in the Chase field believe that until Johnson loses he is the man to beat. It is hard to argue with that logic considering J.J. has won the last four Sprint Cup Championships. He has not been as dominant as he was a year ago but now it is crunch time and you ignore the 48 car at your own peril. In the previous 60 Chase races, Johnson has won 18 times. Johnson is the offshore betting favorite but unlike last season, other drivers are getting some action at the bookmaker.